We believe the introduction of the service is timely because Republic Act 10361, otherwise known as the "Kasambahay Law,” took effect on June 4.

The landmark legislation seeks to protect and promote the welfare of millions of domestic workers across the nation. One provision requires employers to extend government-mandated social benefits, such as Pag-ibig Fund contributions, to house helpers.

Hence, a payment solution that's secure and accessible especially to those in the low-income bracket, should prove invaluable to kasambahays and their employers, not to mention small business owners.

Here’s how to activate a GCash wallet (in case you haven’t activated it yet):

Dial *143# on your mobile phone.

Press "Call."

Select "GCash."

Choose "Register."

Select a 4-digit MPIN.

Enter personal details as required.

Funding your GCash wallet via BancNet ATM, mobile phone banking, or online bank transfer, albeit with a minimal service fee. You may also visit any of the 7,000 GCASH outlets nationwide to top up your virtual wallet free of charge.

You will receive a message to confirm if your transaction is successful.

The service is free until December 18, 2013. A P5 service fee will be charged per transaction starting December 19, although Globe executives made it clear that “P5 is just a peg. We may lower the fee come December.”

You can also pay contributions and housing loans via Globe’s GCash app for iOS, Android, and BlackBerry smartphones.

Globe G-Xchange president Paolo Baltao said payments are generally processed within 2-3 business days. However, Pag-ibig Fund CEO Atty. Darlene Marie Berberabe noted that your payment will be posted on Pag-ibig’s ledgers a day after the remittance.

In the unlikely event that the amount is debited from your GCash account but is not reflected on your Pag-ibig membership, Baltao assured that they “have systems in place that monitor all transactions.”